Till roll firms step up pursuit of licensees
Canada-based companies selling unsolicited till rolls for credit card terminals are stepping up their pursuit of pubs in the UK. A flood of licensees have contacted The Publican this week, claiming they have been misled by these firms, following our story last week.
News has also reached The Publican from the Vintners Federation of Ireland, which has issued a warning to its 6,000 members after a raft of complaints there.
The companies telephone pubs and ask if someone is there to take a delivery.
When the unordered till rolls arrive a whopping bill for up to £300 is sent for products that are worth closer to £30.
The names of two companies - Paper Roll Logistics and Merchant Retail Supplies - have been highlighted repeatedly by licensees.
Investigations by The Publican have revealed that the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is currently probing both companies, but as they are based in Canada the UK authorities are unable to act.
The OFT is currently gathering information which will be forwarded to the Competition Commission in Canada.
Trading standards officers across the UK have received hundreds of complaints about the companies, with more streaming in on a daily basis.
Alan Willis, licensee of the Nelson's Retreat in Old Street, London, and chairman of the London BII, is considering taking legal action against Merchant Retail Supplies.
"I always say no to these people when they call. They contacted one of my staff and asked will someone be there to take a delivery in. They sent me some stuff that I don't even use," he said.
"There is a telephone number but you can't get hold of anyone. I have received two letters and one bill. I am still trying to get hold of them."
Tim Morris, lessee of the Elm Tree Inn, near Worksop in Derbyshire, had problems with Paper Roll Logistics.
He said: "A phonecall came and they made it sound as if they were our normal supplier. Our staff ordered two boxes which cost £250," he explained.
"I wrote them a letter saying I found it unacceptable as they were worth £37. They must be stopped."
When contacted by The Publican Michael Chun, director of customer services for Paper Roll Logistics, said that customers were contacted twice to confirm an order.
"We do have certain procedures before shipping," he claimed. He also added that licensees had 15 days to return the goods.
Merchant Retail Supplies had no one available to comment.
- If you have had any problems with these companies write to: The Office of Fair Trading, The International Section, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8JX.
